Politicians Must Prioritize 'Hasbara' as Israel's Global Image Crisis Deepens

As a publication deeply embedded in the Israeli discourse, The Jerusalem Post understands the critical importance of how Israel is perceived both domestically and internationally. This piece by Gil Hoffman highlights a persistent challenge: the disconnect between political parties and the significant native English-speaking population within Israel. For too long, parties have treated English-language outreach as an afterthought, translating platforms rather than proactively crafting them with the concerns of this demographic in mind. This oversight is not just a missed opportunity; it's a failure to connect with a vital segment of the electorate.

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If you count the children and grandchildren of immigrants to Israel, there are hundreds of thousands of native English-speaking voters in Israel.

The author rightly points out that native English speakers in Israel, while diverse, share a common concern: Israel's international image. In an era marked by a dramatic surge in global antisemitism, particularly since the horrific events of October 7th, this concern is more acute than ever. The Pew Research data starkly illustrates this shift, showing a reversal in American public opinion towards Israel. This isn't merely about optics; it's about the safety and security of Jews worldwide and the very legitimacy of Israel's standing on the global stage.

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But there is one issue that I dare suggest they can all agree on: Israel needs to make more of an effort to improve its international image, in what is perhaps the most frightening time for Diaspora Jews since the Holocaust.

Furthermore, the piece touches upon the impact of domestic Israeli legislation, like the 2018 Primaries Law, on foreign donations and, consequently, on the ability of Israeli leaders to engage with international Jewish philanthropists. This legislative change has shifted the onus back onto Israeli voters to demand action on critical issues like hasbara. The Jerusalem Post believes that by empowering its readers to actively question candidates and advocate for a stronger international presence, we can help shape a more resilient and positive narrative for Israel. It is imperative that the upcoming election becomes a platform for addressing this existential challenge, ensuring that Israel's voice is heard clearly and effectively across the globe.

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Ask the candidates what they will do about the antisemitism that has skyrocketed around the world since Oct. 7, and how much of a priority they will make addressing this threat if they play a key role in the next government.